I didn't really care about the new girl -Allen- when she first walked into class. I just wanted her to stay out of my business, but when she asked for my notes I just threw them at her, not wanting to be bothered. So when lunch came by and Lenalee invited her over I was a little ticked. The only good thing that came out of it in my mind was that Lavi stopped talking to me for a while as they centered their attention around Allen.
She looked nervous, who wouldn't when you are surrounded by those idiots? When Lavi rubbed her face I wanted to punch him because I felt bad for her. It was indeed surprising though to see the scar on her face. I tried not to act that way and was surprised when the words came out of my mouth.
"There is nothing wrong with having some scars. Stop worrying, moyashi," I wasn't the only one surprised though, by the looks of everyone else's faces. I ignored her after that, something just didn't seem right and I knew that if I tried to talk to her it would come out harsh or I would insult her.
I had been meditating in my room that weekend when the doorbell rang. I had reluctantly opened it to find Taidoll with Lavi and Lenalee. I wanted to know why on earth that old man had invited those idiots over to the house.
"We have something to talk about regarding an old friend of mine and his child," the strict tone and lack of doting made me straighten up and let them in. We gathered around the couch, I didn't bother getting them anything to drink.
"Well, old man? What is it?"
"You all remember that I worked in a government agency, correct?" we nodded. "I have a friend that had adopted a child right before I left. His name is Cross Marian, not the kindest of people, but he cared greatly for the child's original adoptive parents."
"Get to the point, what does this have to do with us?" Taidoll sighed and gave me that fatherly look.
"Now Yuu, please be patient." I grunted and let him speak. "Cross just recently moved here and I ran into him at the gym where I work. We talked for a while and informed me of some rather disturbing information."
He said that the child he was taking care of was being hunted down by his captors. They had been the ones to kill the child's adoptive parents. Cross took care of the child for a while, but one day when he went out he forgot to lock the door and the child was kidnapped. It took Cross nearly two years to get the child back, resulting in the burning of a mansion, and destruction of the left side of his face."
"So I am going to assume that this Cross' kid is now going to our school?" Lavi spoke up and Taidoll nodded.
"The child that Cross adopted has now moved to this school and he wanted me to tell you so that you can help protect him and keep an eyes on the kid. Just in case."
"So who is this guy?" I leaned back and crossed my arms.
"That, Yuu, is where it gets complicated."
"And why is that, Mr. Taidoll?" Lenalee looked concerned, her hands were intertwined with Lavi's.
"After being there for so long, being tormented, the boy has become paranoid and now believes that he is in fact female. That is because the ones who took him thought he was a girl at first by his girlish features, punishing him greatly when they found out he was in fact male," his face was downcast and I actually felt bad for whatever kid they were talking about.
"Can you just tell us who they are already?" I was annoyed at this prolonged conversation, just wanting to get back to my meditating.
"Alright, but remember to treat her gently alright?" the couple nodded eagerly and I made a small noise in agreement. Taidoll took a deep breath before speaking, probably for dramatic effect, he is always this way. "Her name is Allen Walker."
"Fuck."
"Lavi!" Lenalee glared at her boyfriend for swearing, but then saw the look of relief and pain on his face. I had this sinking feeling in my stomach as I sat there in slight shock.
"Now it makes sense. When she first introduced herself I was suspicious of the masculine name, then I saw this look of fear cross her face and I treated her like a lady, being nice. I could tell that she had some sort of trauma, but this is just horrible," Lavi's attentiveness didn't fail to impress me, although I was still trying to let it sink in. I had never met anyone transgendered in my life, well at least I do not think I have? I couldn't imagine what would make Allen believe he is something he is not.
Then again, it is some good-ish news for me. Lavi was right when he said I was gay, but I have always tried to hide it. When I met Allen, I felt some sort of attraction and it weirded me out. I was never attracted to girls before, so now that I know that Allen is in fact a boy, I have found some inner peace.
"Now that this is over, I am going to leave. Enjoy your own stupidity," I tried to escape, of course nothing goes my way though does it?
"Kanda~, we should go and visit Allen to make sure that she feels okay!" I wanted so badly to stab the child hanging from my arm, but I was a little worried for Allen as well. I would never admit it though. After some of their gentle persuasion, we all got into Lavi's ugly Toyota Camry painted the color equivalent to barf, and went to Allen's house.
I didn't know how they knew the address but I did not really care. Lavi was an idiot, a cunning idiot, and I really did not want to know how he finds stuff like this out.
I stood on the porch, tapping my foot impatiently, with a hand on Mugen, as Lavi rang the doorbell. Watching Lavi tackle Allen to the ground, annoyed me and I made a noise of disgust. I didn't really listen as they talked, watching as Allen looked outside cautiously when we entered. I guess it really is true.
"Here you go, iced tea," I looked at the clear glasses of tea. Allen had put down a bowl of chips as well, I stared at his gloves, wondering if it had anything to do with the fire. I had started to zone off when Lavi started singing.
"Please stop before I rip your vocal cords out," I massaged my forehead and shook my head at his idiocy. I heard a jingle sounding laugh and whipped my head over to Allen. She- no he giggled and tried to cover her face with a gloved hand. I tried not to stare. Fuck me and my stupid gayness.
"What the hell is going on here!" I almost jumped up and pulled Mugen out when Allen jumped up and began talking to the man. He had a burn on his face. Must be Cross Marian. They began introducing themselves and all looked expectantly at me. I felt an elbow jab into my side and glared at my attacker, Allen.
"Kanda," I sat down and drank some of the tea. It wasn't sweat. Lenalee must have told Allen about that.
"Taidoll's boy?"
"I am not that man's child," was my instant response and I looked over at Cross. He nodded and stared into my eyes. I stared back and he slightly gestured to Allen as if asking me if I knew. I nodded and he laughed. Saying something and then taking his leave.
As the others talked I saw Allen glance over at me drinking the tea and smiled. Yup, he knew. Lavi asked Allen to sing and I saw him getting nervous. Then he started making excuses. I tried to save him from embarrassment.
"Moyashi, can you stop being so modest for once?" I wanted Allen to feel like we wouldn't judge him. I saw his eyes narrow.
"Well if you got a better attitude, maybe I will too," I raised an eyebrow. Happy that Allen didn't feel afraid to say his mind. It went back down hill when his eyes widened and he started apologising. Thankfully, the TV made a loud banging noise, Allen jumped and put a hand over her heart. He was probably still paranoid about the kidnapping from years back.
He said something and I retorted back with a stupid remark. I regretted it instantly, and Lavi didn't make me feel any better about myself as he chastised me. It was a first to be the one silent in an argument, but I deserved it. I saw Allen out of the corner of my eyes and he looked confused.
When I heard a crash in the kitchen followed by Allen running out, I knew something was wrong. Jumping up and over the couch, I intercepted Allen before he could run out the door.
"Let go of me!" I didn't expect the punch that he threw at my face. Fazed for a moment, Allen tried to run around me but someone else stopped him.
"Allen!" Cross' voice boomed in the room and the boy froze immediately. I watched as he turned his face to Cross, tears spilling from his eyelids. "It's alright," his voice was softer this time and Allen let go of the door knob reluctantly.
"How much do you know?" I held my face and stared at him.
"Enough," wrong answer. Allen turned to me in a blind rage, screaming.
"How much da' ya' bloo'y kno'!" I wasn't the only one confused by the accent, but we all had worse things to worry about. Allen was panicking. I held my hands up in a relaxed and comforting pose, like you would while approaching a frightened deer.
"Allen, calm down," Lenalee and Lavi were on either sides of him. We had him cornered and I wasn't sure how else to approach the situation. Cross had walked closer during the little outburst and now stood next to me. I looked over at him and saw a sad look in his eyes covering a wall of fire and hatred.
"Allen, stop acting so afraid. I am the one who said they should know. So if you're mad at anyone be mad at me," Allen didn't glare at Cross, but bowed his head down and fell to his knees.
"Does this mean we don't have to move again?"
"Allen, I wouldn't tell them if I would make us move right afterwards," Allen just nodded slightly and stayed where he was in front of the door. The 'L' couple knelt down next to him. Lenalee put a hand on his shoulder and I saw him stiffen slightly and pull away.
"Do you guys hate me now?" I tried not to roll my eyes. This is just unbelievable. What on earth did she- I mean he go through to think like this? I was annoyed and upset and I didn't want to but I had to help. Sometimes peoples' sensitivity was so annoying. I knelt down in front of Allen and cleared my throat.
"Moyashi, look at me."
"My name is Allen, Bakanda," his response was quite but I caught it and smirked. He looked up at me so our eyes met and I saw how reluctant he was. Pupils dilated, body tense, and arms wrapped around himself defensively.
"We do not hate you for this, hell I do not even really care about what gender you are. It doesn't really matter, so… quit whining or I'll feel bad," I trailed off at the end and looked away from him. God damnit. I hate being nice to people, because then I get close to them and they get hurt.
"I-" I looked at Allen in my peripheral vision and saw his mouth hanging open ever so slightly and his shoulders shaking. Worried that I upset him, I prepared myself to say something but was taken aback when Allen lifted his face with a smile and tears streaming down it.
"T-Thank-k y-you… I-I'm-m glad y-you c-care, K-Kand-da," he hiccuped a lot while talking and Lenalee hugged him to her. She cooed to Allen and brushed her hand through his silky white hair.
"Do you want to watch a movie, Allen?" Lavi's voice was soft and reassuring. Allen nodded into Lenalee's shoulder and the older girl helped him up and they settled back onto the couch. I was going to join them but I felt a hand clap down onto my shoulder and Cross whispered into my ear.
"Keep an eye on Allen, you hear me? He may seem fragile but he has a habit of getting himself into bad situations. I wouldn't blame you if you make him upset because he doesn't want to be protected, but I will blame you if he gets hurt. Got it?" his hand tightened down on my shoulder and I nodded tersely before prying his hand off and sitting down in the arm chair; my arms crossed and a small smile on my face, hidden behind my hair.
I was reluctant to go to school on Monday, but rather than staying home and avoiding an awkward situation, I toughened up and went to school. If I were to stay home, my phone would be filled with worried texts and voicemails from Lavi and/or Lenalee.
Arriving early, I was the first one in my AP Bio class and watched as other students flowed in as the minutes slowly ticked by. Allen came in two minutes before the bell, looking flustered and nervous. Her hands twitched and her eyes darted around the room until they landed on me. Our eyes connected and I stared back into silver pools for what seemed like forever. Allen's eyes looked so hollow and confused.
I made a promise to myself at this moment that I will do everything in my power to keep Allen safe and happy. He deserves it.
Class had started by know and Allen kept on sending me nervous glances from her seat two feet away. I watched him from my peripheral vision the whole time. Taking in the nervous twitches and all of his movements. Noticing the constant adjustment of his skirt and the avoidance of using his left arm too much.
"How about you Kanda?" I looked at the teacher and answered the question. It was easy and I had skipped ahead a few chapters just because I was bored.
"Hum, well done Kanda. But I still expect you to pay attention in class."
"Yes, sir," he went back to his lecture and we continued with our notes. I heard Allen cough and I glanced over at her to see her staring right back at me. She threw a piece of paper wadded up in a ball at me and it landed on my desk. I stared at it and then back at him. Allen made an opening motion with his hands and I opened up the ball to see some numbers and words written in a beautifully soft script.
Here is my number. I know that Cross told you to protect me and I'm fine with that for now. I'm giving this to you because I trust you, and only you.
I smirked and internally cried out in victory. This way I can keep track of Allen and keep him from trouble. I can use his number to track him by his phone. I know that it is very invasive but I want Allen to be safe. And yes, it is overprotective of me but I want to take any and all precautions.
Under my desk I put the number in my phone, labeling it as "Her" because I am very superstitious about people keeping tabs on others and I don't want Lavi to snoop through my phone and steal Allen's number.
Still smirking I glanced at Allen as she explained a theorem, using lots of gestures and keeping her left arm under the table in his lap. I think that I will have a fine time learning about Allen.